Memories and Treasures Sealed for Years

Posted on by

January 11 2020:

Unpacking boxes that have been sealed for years. My mammaw Downs always made me feel good, a warm and strong energy she had. Even at 9 months old I was all smiles in her arms … (along with cousins Stephanie and Stacy).

Having left school in the 2nd grade due to her mother’s death, she did not know how to read. She was needed to help with the sharecropping and with the rest of the family. “Sharecropper’s Granddaughter” .. Sounds like a good book title, doesn’t it? HA! This beautiful woman knew how to grow a vibrant garden, can and freeze foods, bake and cook … With no fear of speaking her mind. Thank you, Elnor Key Downs, for your blood that flows through my veins.

January 11 2020:

Near the beginning of our reuniting, of sorts. After living about 7 states apart for 7 years, it was not too long after this photo that I packed my car, left Mississippi, and made my way to Washington state (where mom and Frank lived). Photo taken in June 1988 when mom and Frank came for my high school graduation. I feel one of the BEST decisions I have ever made … ❤️❤️❤️

Near the beginning of 30+ years as step-father and step-daughter. What a blessing you were, have been, and ARE, Frank C. Romano Jr! Photo taken in Summer 1988 in Gulfport or Biloxi Mississippi, when Frank and my mom came down for my high school graduation. ❤️❤️❤️

Christmas as a 2 year old – December 1972 … Jackson, Mississippi …

My great great grandfather, who I have been told was a full blooded Chickasaw Indian who left the tribe, taking the name of Robert Downs. Shown in this picture with my great great grandmother. It would be really cool to know his Native name.

January 12 2020

Found a 2012 letter from my Secret Admirer(s) while unpacking. A most special treasure, especially as the admirers get older. ♥️♥️♥️

January 19 2020

I have about 12 old albums with the adhesive type photo pages. I began by slowly peeling them, but that left the photos curled and left some of the backing on the page.

Last week I searched online and found that dental floss will work. Just tried that and it works! The photo came off perfectly. Although, it took lots of wiggling and removing 3 photos used one piece of dental floss. So … need to go buy cheaper dental floss before continuing.

Photo of me at 3 years old in the snow. Snow in the deep south is occasion for big smiles, no matter how small the amount. (Smithsonian video showing the technique … https://youtu.be/fcDlbNi-9D0)

 

First Two Shipments Have Arrived and Flying to the UK By Way of Cookie Heaven – Words of Alchemy

Posted on by

January 4 2020

Guess what arrives next week? The first two shipments! Who else would like one?

January 6 2020:

Just received the first shipment! I’m ready to personalize, sign, and mail these beauties! Who’s in?

January 9 2020:

A bowl of tomato soup at GreatFull Gardens. The perfect lunch to accompany chatting with you Gerry Foster McCarroll! May you enjoy the book! Thanks for the support. 💜💜💜

January 13 2020:

It was a great day to mail a book to the UK. Along with getting caught up with nearly all books ordered to date. It’s funny how the really long, slow moving line at the post office doesn’t bother you as much when you’re mailing your book to readers!

I’ll be making another trip to the post office near the end of the week or early the following week. Let me know if you’d like to be included in that mailing. Overflowing thanks to all! 🙏❤️

January 16 2020:

Making a trip to the post office tomorrow morning. Got one headed to cookie heaven by way of Heidi’s Heavenly Cookies in Georgia, that’s some sweet alchemy, there! And bunches headed to warmer weather in Pensacola, Florida! I’ve got new material to create the fun little messages hidden inside the books, too. Can’t wait to be creative tomorrow morning! Let me know if you’d like a personalised, signed copy sent your way. ❤️❤️❤️

January 18 2020

Has anyone received your book yet? Hope they are arriving with the TLC they were packaged with!

Thomas and Camilla January 2020 Date Day

Posted on by

January 16 2020

Thomas and Camilla January 2020 Date Day

First stop: We walked to Ike’s Sandwiches. I’ve been wanting to try this place as they have an abundance of vegan options. I mean, vegan Dutch crunch bread!! This is a photo of my sandwich, I think it was called a MacDaddy or something like that. Enjoyed with a side of fries. I was only able to eat half of it. Pretty good.

The almost all white photo is what we walked back and forth in. We had planned on going for a trail walk when finished with lunch, but, we were kind of wet (and cold) when we got back.

So … Change of plans, Thomas wanted me to play Deltarune. I did much better this time around.

Ended with a game of Monopoly. Love date days!!! ♥️♥️♥️

Going Ape with the Elephants While Being Worn Out

Posted on by

January 5 2020:

Thomas helped decorate the open shelving in the kitchen. I put the elephant there, cause elephants. Thomas added the gorilla. He says I can look at him while I’m doing dishes. 🦍🖤🐘

January 16 2020:

They don’t look worn out, do they? I had a fingerprint live scan this morning. The tech had issues with a few of my fingers, commenting that my fingerprints were worn out. I didn’t know that was possible. Ha!

Kinda matches the rest of me, though. 2020 is the year, the beginning of a decade, of pressing the reset button, with focus on becoming un-worn out. I feel the relief in my bones, my cells, every breath I take. Here’s to unwornoutness!! 🎉❤️❤️❤️🎉

Glorious Sky Walks with Healthy Blooming and Fancy Dancing

Posted on by

January 8 2020:

The glorious sky this afternoon. 💙🙌💛

January 12 2020

They finally bloomed again! 2 or 3 years after we were gifted this little orchid, it has finally grown a healthy stem and bloomed again.

I love it when she gets all fancy, magical. Makes me feel like dancing.💙💃

January 14 2020

Wonderful, cold, and beautiful walk with Thomas this afternoon. 💨💙

Movie Night: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

Posted on by

January 11 2020:

Team TLC Movie Night – Thomas’s choice: “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2”

Thomas says, “It was good.”

I say, “Enjoyed this one as much as the previous. Love the music and the 80’s references. I didn’t realize when we began this journey of watching all the Marvel/Avenger movies from the beginning that there are many actors I grew up watching. Just love it! Next up, Avengers: Age of Ultron”

Lillian didn’t watch as these aren’t her jam.